Midian and Revival

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds. And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;
And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.
-Judges 6:1-3, 6 KJV

Summary: Right before the harvest, Midian would come and pluck the harvest out of Israel's hands just before they could enjoy it's fruits.

Now anyone vaguely familiar with the Bible and the some of the more common symbolism therein, knows that a "Harvest" is also an increase in souls. That's how this story of Israel and Midian applies to us.

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
-Matthew 9:36-38

So what does "Midian" mean? What is it, that will attack revival and attempt to pluck this harvest out of our grasp before it has begun?

Midian: Contention, Strife.

Look it up yourself. The Bible is full of richness and meaning, this would be uncanny if it were accidental.

But I will often try to view the Church and the walk of faith that Christians pursue how the enemy of our souls would like to view it, or at least how best I could perceive it... and if I were him, I would try to stop revival before it even started, in any way I could. And here in Judges 6, we see a prime example, time after time, of how the enemy stopped the harvest: By causing dissension, contention, strife, to come in and disrupt what God was trying to do.

The balance of a church can be delicate at times. A church is the people of God. People are not perfect, they are flesh, carnal. Even if you look at the best times when we are not being carnally minded, you have spiritual gifts, and positions, titles... and these things could cause pride if you have them, jealousy if you don't. That's aside from the tares that have been planted in the harvest to slow it down. If the enemy can get in there with a few individuals who are susceptible to his wiles, then he could cause strife in the church... and if he can cause strife in the church, then he might be able to distract people enough from the things of God to forestall revival.

And it's small, pointless things that he will utilize, oftentimes. Differences of opinion. Pride. Jealousy. Envy. Lusts. It won't be a direct assault upon the people, because that would get them to pray and get strength. He'll try the classic military tactic: divide and conquer.

So when you start to experience Midian.... or division, strife, dissension, then focus even more on God, because revival could be just around the corner!